as in.....Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
'Tis Christmas once more.....
Follow me.......
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Christmas......
Today's word is: Christmas
as in.....Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
'Tis Christmas once more.....
as in.....Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
'Tis Christmas once more.....
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 24!!!
Only ONE more day until Christmas!
as in.....'tis Christmas Eve!
Today's word is: Anticipation
as in....I'm hoping those elves will come and do all the work that needs done!
Yes, that's me in Santa's workshop.....in the wee hours of this morning....wrapping and setting up and cooking and waiting on those damn elves to show up!
Christmas Eve.....my favorite part of the holidays.
I just love the ANTICIPATION......
as in.....'tis Christmas Eve!
Today's word is: Anticipation
as in....I'm hoping those elves will come and do all the work that needs done!
Yes, that's me in Santa's workshop.....in the wee hours of this morning....wrapping and setting up and cooking and waiting on those damn elves to show up!Christmas Eve.....my favorite part of the holidays.
I just love the ANTICIPATION......
Friday, December 23, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 23!
Only 2 more days until Christmas!
Today's word is: TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!
as in.....Judi please stop screaming!
TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!
Today's word is: TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!
as in.....Judi please stop screaming!
TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 22!
Only 3 (count 'em...1*2*3)
as in...only THREE days until Christmas
Today's word is: Attack!
as in....move aside world, clear the aisles, tell your families to take cover and don't you dare drive the speed limit.....I'm on a mission to bring Christmas to Judiland!
Get outta my way, I'm living on caffeine and candy canes, I've got a list that's longer than that jolly fat fella and damn there's only three days until Christmas!
ATTACK!
as in...only THREE days until Christmas
Today's word is: Attack!
as in....move aside world, clear the aisles, tell your families to take cover and don't you dare drive the speed limit.....I'm on a mission to bring Christmas to Judiland!
Get outta my way, I'm living on caffeine and candy canes, I've got a list that's longer than that jolly fat fella and damn there's only three days until Christmas!
ATTACK!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas......Day 21!
Only 4 days until Christmas......
Today's word is: Partygirl
as......yeah PARTY ON GIRL!
It's been a bustling party season here in Judiland......
Here we are at the beginning of the holiday party season, getting ready to go to a spirited party at one of my spirited friend's house with a few of my spirited friends.....
Here's those spirited girls at that spirited party......Kate, Angela and I.....
Closing out the night with the guy I go home from parties with.....
Party season is always a good season for a Partygirl.....
Today's word is: Partygirl
as......yeah PARTY ON GIRL!
It's been a bustling party season here in Judiland......
Here we are at the beginning of the holiday party season, getting ready to go to a spirited party at one of my spirited friend's house with a few of my spirited friends.....
Here's those spirited girls at that spirited party......Kate, Angela and I.....
Closing out the night with the guy I go home from parties with.....
Party season is always a good season for a Partygirl.....
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas......Day 20!
Only 5 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Hurry-up
....as in company is coming or my family is hungry and I am sick to death of serving the same old, same old....I need something new but it's gotta be something quick (and delish!)......
'Tis the season when there's always a ham or a roast beef or a vat of sausage or big old turkey or a huge bowl of ravioli or a tray of cheese and pepperoni and crackers or a crock of hot artichoke dip or a platter of shrimp with cocktail sauce or....well....you fill in the blank....
Maybe that's just on the party circuit I travel.
Great food for sure but after a few nights of eating at the traditional holiday dinners and parties and buffets--I'm usually so done with it all.
And, so is my family.
As much as we look forward to all those traditional holiday foods, we find ourselves pretty tired of them after a few parties, a few meals and a few midnight raidings of the fridge.
When the holiday food misery sets in--and we all know it will--I try to be equipped with a few different ideas.
I'm always trying to come up with something just a little bit different to serve.....especially on those days between Christmas and New Year's when the kids are home full time, there's visitors at the door at all hours and I have to go to work.....
Let me repeat.....and I have to go to work.
It would be great if I could just put out all the leftovers and call it a day.
But, like I said---everyone (even our visitors) is pretty tired of ham and turkey and beef and sausage and ravioli.....you know what I'm talking about.....
I don't want to see another cheese platter.....please!!
When I was planning out my menus for next week--knowing I'd have to go to work and that I'd be exhausted from all the holiday hoopla and there would be company coming and going, I made a concerted effort to think a little differently when it came to evening meals as well as delicious fare for drop-in guests.
Here's a few things that I came up with......
First, a tried and true chicken recipe that I've made many times but I decided to turn it into a finger food for next week. We could eat it in front of the TV or serve it to guests along with some chips and dips. It's easy to make ahead of time and throw in the freezer and take it out when you need it. It goes good with a hoppy beer as well as it goes with an oakey Chardonnay.
Here it is....excuse the fact that there are no exact measurements.....I do this by memory....
Better than Fried Chicken
Thin sliced, boneless chicken breasts.....cut into strips
Coat chicken with mayonaisse flavored with some black pepper and a mixture of parmesean and romano cheese (cover them well with the mayo mixture)
Dredge and press mayo covered chicken into a mixture of Italian flavored breadcrumbs, more romano and parm cheese and Panko.
Place chicken strips on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375/400 for about 15-20 minutes.
(If you want to freeze them now--cool them a bit before doing so)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces--I will be using a good quality jarred marinara sauce (DeCecco is a good choice), either a jarred or powdered and mixed-up ranch dressing and a jarred barbeque sauce.
This next recipe is one that my caterer girlfriend serves in lieu of the usual shrimp platter.....
it's truly amazing, has an air of elegance about it, it's super easy and quick and it makes everyone happy and is enchanting in your mouth when you serve it with a lush and smooth Sauvignon Blanc.....
Roasted Shrimp
(serve at room temp)
3 pounds shrimp (I use the frozen jumbo shrimp from Aldi's--thaw it before putting in oven....its great!)
A few table spoons of good quality olive oil
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
On cooking sheet--coat all the shrimp with oil, salt and pepper very well
Roast at 400 for about 8-10 minutes
Cool and serve with lemon zest grated on top and scampi dipping sauce (saute some garlic in olive oil---when cooled add a splash of lemon juice, a bit of parmesean cheese, a little bit of dry white wine and lots of black pepper)
And, now for one of the best comfort foods around---Macaroni and Cheese.
Who doesn't love that?
Below is Alton Brown's recipe....it really is the best....a few thousand people have said so!
The only thing I do a little different is that I have to add some good quality romano cheese to the topping.....I can't help myself...I have to Italian everything up a little!
Take this up a notch and serve it on your good china and pour some happy Prosecco to accompany it!
Won't you be the IT GIRL.....?!?!
Macaroni and Cheese
Today's word is: Hurry-up
....as in company is coming or my family is hungry and I am sick to death of serving the same old, same old....I need something new but it's gotta be something quick (and delish!)......
'Tis the season when there's always a ham or a roast beef or a vat of sausage or big old turkey or a huge bowl of ravioli or a tray of cheese and pepperoni and crackers or a crock of hot artichoke dip or a platter of shrimp with cocktail sauce or....well....you fill in the blank....
Maybe that's just on the party circuit I travel.
Great food for sure but after a few nights of eating at the traditional holiday dinners and parties and buffets--I'm usually so done with it all.
And, so is my family.
As much as we look forward to all those traditional holiday foods, we find ourselves pretty tired of them after a few parties, a few meals and a few midnight raidings of the fridge.
When the holiday food misery sets in--and we all know it will--I try to be equipped with a few different ideas.
I'm always trying to come up with something just a little bit different to serve.....especially on those days between Christmas and New Year's when the kids are home full time, there's visitors at the door at all hours and I have to go to work.....
Let me repeat.....and I have to go to work.
It would be great if I could just put out all the leftovers and call it a day.
But, like I said---everyone (even our visitors) is pretty tired of ham and turkey and beef and sausage and ravioli.....you know what I'm talking about.....
I don't want to see another cheese platter.....please!!
When I was planning out my menus for next week--knowing I'd have to go to work and that I'd be exhausted from all the holiday hoopla and there would be company coming and going, I made a concerted effort to think a little differently when it came to evening meals as well as delicious fare for drop-in guests.
Here's a few things that I came up with......
First, a tried and true chicken recipe that I've made many times but I decided to turn it into a finger food for next week. We could eat it in front of the TV or serve it to guests along with some chips and dips. It's easy to make ahead of time and throw in the freezer and take it out when you need it. It goes good with a hoppy beer as well as it goes with an oakey Chardonnay.
Here it is....excuse the fact that there are no exact measurements.....I do this by memory....
Better than Fried Chicken
Thin sliced, boneless chicken breasts.....cut into strips
Coat chicken with mayonaisse flavored with some black pepper and a mixture of parmesean and romano cheese (cover them well with the mayo mixture)
Dredge and press mayo covered chicken into a mixture of Italian flavored breadcrumbs, more romano and parm cheese and Panko.
Place chicken strips on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375/400 for about 15-20 minutes.
(If you want to freeze them now--cool them a bit before doing so)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces--I will be using a good quality jarred marinara sauce (DeCecco is a good choice), either a jarred or powdered and mixed-up ranch dressing and a jarred barbeque sauce.
This next recipe is one that my caterer girlfriend serves in lieu of the usual shrimp platter.....
it's truly amazing, has an air of elegance about it, it's super easy and quick and it makes everyone happy and is enchanting in your mouth when you serve it with a lush and smooth Sauvignon Blanc.....
Roasted Shrimp
(serve at room temp)
3 pounds shrimp (I use the frozen jumbo shrimp from Aldi's--thaw it before putting in oven....its great!)
A few table spoons of good quality olive oil
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
On cooking sheet--coat all the shrimp with oil, salt and pepper very well
Roast at 400 for about 8-10 minutes
Cool and serve with lemon zest grated on top and scampi dipping sauce (saute some garlic in olive oil---when cooled add a splash of lemon juice, a bit of parmesean cheese, a little bit of dry white wine and lots of black pepper)
And, now for one of the best comfort foods around---Macaroni and Cheese.
Who doesn't love that?
Below is Alton Brown's recipe....it really is the best....a few thousand people have said so!
The only thing I do a little different is that I have to add some good quality romano cheese to the topping.....I can't help myself...I have to Italian everything up a little!
Take this up a notch and serve it on your good china and pour some happy Prosecco to accompany it!
Won't you be the IT GIRL.....?!?!
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs + a few sprinklings of romano cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
Just in case you have a hankering for a little Mexican......you might want to try this quickie and tastey rendition of pizza. It goes great with a lively Sangria so you won't have to figure out what kind of booze to wash it down with.....
Taco Pizza
Crust: Large, oversized whole wheat tortilla shell or 3 whole wheat tortilla shells
- 1 can (14 Ounce) black beans
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (Penzey's Bold Taco Seasoning is fab!)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 1 cup grated monterey jack cheese
- 1 head green leaf lettuce--shredded very thin (I buy the bagged variety)
- 2 whole ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ cups cilantro leaves
- ¼ cups sour cream
- 3 tablespoons of Frank's hot sauce (or more!)
- Pour black beans into a saucepan. Add seasonings to taste and heat up beans over medium-low heat. Use a potato masher to mash the beans to desired texture. Continue cooking/heating beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer runny (should be the texture of refried beans). Set aside.
Spread layer of refried beans all over crust (tortilla). Sprinkle mixed grated cheeses over the top. Place pan in the oven (in the bottom half of the oven) and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. Watch it to make sure crust doesn’t burn.
Remove pizza from oven. Sprinkle on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro leaves.
Mix together sour cream and hot sauce, adding enough hot sauce to make the mixture pourable. With a spoon drizzle mixture over finished pizza. Serve with jarred salsa.
And, let's not forget about dragging out the crock pot. This past year, my sister bought me one of those buffet server crock pots that has 3 separate crock pots in it! She said I was the only person she knew that might really use it. So, I figured I'd prove her right. I did a little research on an entire meal--several courses--using my 3 crock pots. Whalla--a perfect meal to serve to your husband's boss and his wife on a busy work night during the busy holiday season. Turn on the crock pot, go to work, pick up a few bottles of wine, a decent champagne and a good bread on the way home, throw a salad together (using artisan bagged greens and simple bottled balsamic dressing, adding a handful of dried cranberries and some fancy nuts) when you get home and you're the queen of of the kitchen!
Fondue
--1/4 cup each of cheeses. I chose goat, grated/shredded gruyere, and grateds/shredded swiss (Trader Joe's has a bag of shredded gruyere and swiss that works great)
--1/4 cup white wine
--1/2 tsp nutmeg
Put the shredded cheese in crock pot. Add the goat cheese. Pour in the white wine and sprinkle the nutmeg on top. No need to stir---it will melt together.
Cook on the lowest possible setting for 5-6 hours.
Serve with bread, croutons, crackers, or your favorite dipping vegetables.
Veal Osso Bucco
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Six-Eight 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick veal shanks (about 4 lbs)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
One 14-1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 red onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (1 cup)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
6sprigs fresh thyme
4 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. finely grated lemon zest
2 large cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
Six-Eight 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick veal shanks (about 4 lbs)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
One 14-1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 red onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (1 cup)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
6sprigs fresh thyme
4 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. finely grated lemon zest
2 large cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
The night before.....
Put the flour in a wide, shallow dish. Season the veal shanks all over with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour; shake off the excess flour.
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, and when it foams, add the shanks to the skillet. Cook until golden, turning once, about 10 minutes. Transfer the shanks to a covered dish and refrigerate.
Add the wine to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and pour the contents into a separate covered container and refrigerate.
The next morning....
Put the veal shanks and the wine in the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes and their juices, chicken broth, onion, carrot, celery, and thyme. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours—the meat will be very tender and almost falling off the bone.
Before serving--sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic to make a gremolata. Serve the veal shanks topped with the sauce and the gremolata.
Wine Braised Pears
2 (29-ounce) cans pear halves
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine (an inexpensive merlot will suffice)
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
6 tablespoons sweetened whipped cream (for garnish, after cooking)
Drain pears, and plop them into your empty crock. Add the entire bottle of wine. Stir in the sugar, being careful to not break up the pear halves. Add vanilla, and float the cinnamon stick and star anise on top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
Serve warm in bowls with a large dollop of whipped cream.
What are you gonna cook in between Christmas and New Year's?
Tell me quick..... HURRY-UP!!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas....Day 19!
Only 6 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Sigh......
.....I miss the weekend already
I didn't cook or wrap or decorate...although there's lots of those things left to do.
Instead, I just Christmased my way through the weekend......
I did a little ME shopping.....
Today's word is: Sigh......
.....I miss the weekend already
I didn't cook or wrap or decorate...although there's lots of those things left to do.
Instead, I just Christmased my way through the weekend......
I did a little ME shopping.....
Don't you just love the flower on my hat?
I brunched at a fun little place with my favorite brunch mate....
We met up with our kids and got into the spirit......
and now I'm back.
Time to get ready to tackle all the things that need tackling this week before Christmas!
Sigh......
I brunched at a fun little place with my favorite brunch mate....
We met up with our kids and got into the spirit......
and now I'm back.
Time to get ready to tackle all the things that need tackling this week before Christmas!
Sigh......
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 15!
Only 10 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Home
As in.....Welcome to my Holiday Home....
Tune in soon for more.....yes, there's more!
Until then, blog friends, I bid you a little good-bye.
You'll just have to come up with your own countdown words until Monday!
Because this Santa's helper is hitting the party circuit for the next few days.
Yep, I'm putting down the tinsel and the bows and I'm packing up the sleigh and partying all the way!
No matter how fun it will all be.....there's no place like HOME.
Today's word is: Home
As in.....Welcome to my Holiday Home....
Tune in soon for more.....yes, there's more!
Until then, blog friends, I bid you a little good-bye.
You'll just have to come up with your own countdown words until Monday!
Because this Santa's helper is hitting the party circuit for the next few days.
Yep, I'm putting down the tinsel and the bows and I'm packing up the sleigh and partying all the way!
No matter how fun it will all be.....there's no place like HOME.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--day 14!
Only 11 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Joy
as in......find it!
The other day, after talking to yet another friend who was sharing her stresses of the season, I found myself wanting to scream "Can't you just find the joy?"
But, I stopped myself.
I get it--there's so much to do in regular everyday life that when the obligations and the chores and all of the work involved with the holiday season are added to it, stress is something that just happens.
Now that we are all grown up, gone are the simple days of just waiting for the magic of Christmas to descend upon us.
We are now the magic makers---we bring Christmas. We make the magic.
It's a pretty big responsibility.
We want to create the memories and give the smiles and make it all beautiful and wonderful.
Yet, in the process and the work of creating those memories and giving those smiles and making it all beautiful and wonderful, we find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted and yes--resentful and sometimes even angry.
Of course, we feel horrible for feeling those negative feelings. No one likes to feel that way.
Especially at Christmas time.
I'm no different. I sadly admit.
I've got this nasty habit of doing too much, taking on more than I can handle and thinking that I alone must create a storybook, glowing holiday season for those I love and hold dear.
I subscribe to the idea of never letting anyone know just how many nights I work deep into the night, not getting an ounce of sleep and making things just appear as if it were the work of elves and fairies and good old Santa Claus.
I'm a firm believer that you should never let them see you sweat or look the least bit exhausted.
I'm all for full make up, special holiday outfits and a 24/7 look of merriment.
No. Matter. What.
I don't think decorating or cooking or planning menus or entertaining should ever look hard or tiring or too damn much.
And, I don't like enlisting guests to be part of cooking or cleaning up or doing any kitchen duty.
Yeah, I'm cuckoo like that.
I want my guests to think it's all so effortless and happens without me even messing up my manicure or yelling at anyone. Like magic!
So, as you can imagine, with the burden of all that magic-making, I find myself completely frazzled just following the rules I alone have set for myself.
Funny thing---since I've been behaving this way for sooooo long (going on 30 years!), it's now just what happens in Judiland.
Which causes quite a bit of a angst for me---I can't stop now.
It's what brings me joy. Um. Ah. Well. Hmmm.
Just the other night, as I was struggling with putting away my summer clothes to make room for my children to come home for the holidays (I was storing them on their beds since they went back to school after Thanksgiving) and attempting to also put away the Christmas decoration tubs, scooting up and down the steps, taking my life in my hands--Carmen asked me--"when are you going to finish the dining room?" I looked at him with a stare of I hate you now.
He didn't get it. He just didn't understand. This is his wife who brings Christmas effortlessly into his life while wearing lipstick, singing Jingle Bells.
"You know, put the Christmas table cloths on the tables and fill the china closets with all of your Christmas china?" he asked as I teetered on the staircase.
I'm looking for the Joy.
I'll add it to my list.
Joy. Joy. Joy.
Today's word is: Joy
as in......find it!
The other day, after talking to yet another friend who was sharing her stresses of the season, I found myself wanting to scream "Can't you just find the joy?"
But, I stopped myself.
I get it--there's so much to do in regular everyday life that when the obligations and the chores and all of the work involved with the holiday season are added to it, stress is something that just happens.
Now that we are all grown up, gone are the simple days of just waiting for the magic of Christmas to descend upon us.
We are now the magic makers---we bring Christmas. We make the magic.
It's a pretty big responsibility.
We want to create the memories and give the smiles and make it all beautiful and wonderful.
Yet, in the process and the work of creating those memories and giving those smiles and making it all beautiful and wonderful, we find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted and yes--resentful and sometimes even angry.
Of course, we feel horrible for feeling those negative feelings. No one likes to feel that way.
Especially at Christmas time.
I'm no different. I sadly admit.
I've got this nasty habit of doing too much, taking on more than I can handle and thinking that I alone must create a storybook, glowing holiday season for those I love and hold dear.
I subscribe to the idea of never letting anyone know just how many nights I work deep into the night, not getting an ounce of sleep and making things just appear as if it were the work of elves and fairies and good old Santa Claus.
I'm a firm believer that you should never let them see you sweat or look the least bit exhausted.
I'm all for full make up, special holiday outfits and a 24/7 look of merriment.
No. Matter. What.
I don't think decorating or cooking or planning menus or entertaining should ever look hard or tiring or too damn much.
And, I don't like enlisting guests to be part of cooking or cleaning up or doing any kitchen duty.
Yeah, I'm cuckoo like that.
I want my guests to think it's all so effortless and happens without me even messing up my manicure or yelling at anyone. Like magic!
So, as you can imagine, with the burden of all that magic-making, I find myself completely frazzled just following the rules I alone have set for myself.
Funny thing---since I've been behaving this way for sooooo long (going on 30 years!), it's now just what happens in Judiland.
Which causes quite a bit of a angst for me---I can't stop now.
It's what brings me joy. Um. Ah. Well. Hmmm.
Just the other night, as I was struggling with putting away my summer clothes to make room for my children to come home for the holidays (I was storing them on their beds since they went back to school after Thanksgiving) and attempting to also put away the Christmas decoration tubs, scooting up and down the steps, taking my life in my hands--Carmen asked me--"when are you going to finish the dining room?" I looked at him with a stare of I hate you now.
He didn't get it. He just didn't understand. This is his wife who brings Christmas effortlessly into his life while wearing lipstick, singing Jingle Bells.
"You know, put the Christmas table cloths on the tables and fill the china closets with all of your Christmas china?" he asked as I teetered on the staircase.
I'm looking for the Joy.
I'll add it to my list.
Joy. Joy. Joy.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 13!
Only 12 more days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Naughtyornice
as in....which one are you? (click on the link to find out!)
Yes, it's another Tastey Tuesday recipe exchange day!
And, I'm beginning to wonder about you all!
99% of you are not sharing recipes!!
Maybe you are all hording your secret recipes and keeping them for yourself?
That's a little naughty, don't you think?
Well, I need all the nice points I can get.......so here's a few recipes for you!
In honor of your naughty behavior, all of my recipes today are of the naughty variety.
I'm not sure if I've ever shared this first recipe with you. Shame on me if I didn't. I discovered this last year at a holiday/football party. By "discovered", I mean that the hostess put in right in front of me and since I'd rather chat and eat that watch an entire football game and I couldn't walk over to the buffet table without risking my life by walking in front of the huge screen TV--I proceeded to eat most of it and declared it one of my all time favorite meals! It's very easy, very yummy and yes, it's naughty!
Hot Onion Dip
Directions
Oh...and here's a Paula Deen recipe that is so easy and so delish, it's amazing I'm not making it every night....I love, love, love it so much. It's so naughty that I actually feel the need to go to Confession after I eat it....
Peppermint Bark
For those of you who are looking for extra nice points.....be sure to share your recipe in the comment section!!!
Today's word is: Naughtyornice
as in....which one are you? (click on the link to find out!)
Yes, it's another Tastey Tuesday recipe exchange day!And, I'm beginning to wonder about you all!
99% of you are not sharing recipes!!
Maybe you are all hording your secret recipes and keeping them for yourself?
That's a little naughty, don't you think?
Well, I need all the nice points I can get.......so here's a few recipes for you!
In honor of your naughty behavior, all of my recipes today are of the naughty variety.
I'm not sure if I've ever shared this first recipe with you. Shame on me if I didn't. I discovered this last year at a holiday/football party. By "discovered", I mean that the hostess put in right in front of me and since I'd rather chat and eat that watch an entire football game and I couldn't walk over to the buffet table without risking my life by walking in front of the huge screen TV--I proceeded to eat most of it and declared it one of my all time favorite meals! It's very easy, very yummy and yes, it's naughty!
Hot Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- In the prepared dish, mix the cream cheese, onion, Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise.
- Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Oh...and here's a Paula Deen recipe that is so easy and so delish, it's amazing I'm not making it every night....I love, love, love it so much. It's so naughty that I actually feel the need to go to Confession after I eat it....
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
- Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
- 2 pounds white chocolate
- Peppermint flavorings, optional
Directions
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)
And, this last naughty little concoction is something that reminds me of my mother. And, I love to be reminded of my mother! Although her favorite drink was a highball (made with gin), she loved to entertain with whiskey sours. When she bought some maraschino cherries and got out her bottle of whiskey, we knew she was having a party (or hosting her Friday night sewing club....)
Frozen Whiskey Sours
(note--this is my mother's recipe....she didn't add water to the concentrated juices--that's what makes it a wee bit more naughty. But, if think you will have more than one and you need to get up the next day to shop or cook or go to work or just breathe, you might want to some add water....)
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 8 ounces good whiskey
- 8 maraschino cherries , in juice
- 1/4 cup fine sugar
Directions
In a large blender fill blender with cubed ice (about 3/4 full). Add one frozen can of lemonade and orange concentrate. Add whiskey.
Add 1/4 cup cherry juice.Add sugar.Blend, high speed.
Garnish with cherry and optional orange slice
Garnish with cherry and optional orange slice
For those of you who are looking for extra nice points.....be sure to share your recipe in the comment section!!!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Welcome to Judi's Word the Day Countdown to Christmas....Day 12!
Only 13 more days until Christmas!
The word for today is: Brrrrrrr!
as in.....Baby, it's cold outside!
It's December 12 and I'm heading to a cabin north of Judiland.
It's called a retreat.
No, I'm not crazy.
My job is.
Time to go find some woolens.......
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........
The word for today is: Brrrrrrr!
as in.....Baby, it's cold outside!
It's December 12 and I'm heading to a cabin north of Judiland.
It's called a retreat.
No, I'm not crazy.
My job is.
Time to go find some woolens.......
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 11!
Only 14 more days until Christmas!
(yikes, that's 2 weeks!)
Today's word is: Shop
There's no other way to put it except to say that if I don't get out there and shoptillIdrop, there will be nothing for Santa to carry down my chimney.
Today's the day.
Move aside everyone........I'm gonna SHOP!
(I might even take a SHOPtini break....afterall, desperate times call for desperate measures)
(yikes, that's 2 weeks!)
Today's word is: Shop
There's no other way to put it except to say that if I don't get out there and shoptillIdrop, there will be nothing for Santa to carry down my chimney.
Today's the day.
Move aside everyone........I'm gonna SHOP!
(I might even take a SHOPtini break....afterall, desperate times call for desperate measures)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 10!
Only 15 more days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Miseltoe
Sometimes I think we don't kiss enough.
I mean don't reallllly kiss enough.
Sure, we do the cheek peck thing and a few hi and bye kisses and send texts of xxxx's and ooo's but long gone are the days of just kissing and kissing and kissing in the back seat of a '75 Camaro.
Sure, now that we're older, the back seat thing might not be all that comfy.
Especially with that sporty two door model.
But, what about on a couch in your own, empty nest home?
What the hell happened to just hanging out and kissing?
Perhaps it's time to remedy that.
I'm just gonna go online and order myself a shipment of Miseltoe.
Why don't you do the same?
Let's bring back kissing.
Miseltoe. Miseltoe. Miseltoe.
Oh, and some tongue......
Today's word is: Miseltoe
Sometimes I think we don't kiss enough.
I mean don't reallllly kiss enough.
Sure, we do the cheek peck thing and a few hi and bye kisses and send texts of xxxx's and ooo's but long gone are the days of just kissing and kissing and kissing in the back seat of a '75 Camaro.
Sure, now that we're older, the back seat thing might not be all that comfy.
Especially with that sporty two door model.
But, what about on a couch in your own, empty nest home?
What the hell happened to just hanging out and kissing?
Perhaps it's time to remedy that.
I'm just gonna go online and order myself a shipment of Miseltoe.
Why don't you do the same?
Let's bring back kissing.
Miseltoe. Miseltoe. Miseltoe.
Oh, and some tongue......
Friday, December 9, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 9!
Only 16 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Believe
as in.....I believe I can make it through....
Repeat after me.......
Glitter Text @ Glitterfy.com
Today's word is: Believe
as in.....I believe I can make it through....
Repeat after me.......
Glitter Text @ Glitterfy.com
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 8!
only 17 more days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Breathe
as in inhale and exhale then take a drink?
The other day I had it confirmed what I have known all of my life.....I am not good at meditating.
Or finding my center.
Or being one with myself.
Or doing yoga poses.
Or resting my brain.
Or communing with my inner being.
Or being quiet for 2 minutes.
Or, not thinking about anything.
Or, keeping my spine straight while sitting on a hard floor with my legs crossed Indian-style.
You see, we have this lovely graduate intern working with us who kindly offered to do a meditation session with our staff during a regularly scheduled meeting.
The meeting was at 10:15 am, I had been running late all morning, traffic was a bear, it was raining, I had a to-do list at my desk that was as long as my arm, my daughter was stressing over final exams and just had to tell me about it, my son was dealing with a skin infection, my husband was dealing with being my husband and my pre-lit Christmas tree that no longer lights is not even up yet and oh....my dining room was a wreck and there were dishes in the sink and my dad wanted stew for dinner.
But, of course, I wanted to learn to meditate.
She said it was the key to relaxation.
I was just confused as to why I couldn't have a cigarette and a martini....aren't those two key elements in order to reach a state of relaxation?
Breathe, Judi. Just breathe.
Today's word is: Breathe
as in inhale and exhale then take a drink?
The other day I had it confirmed what I have known all of my life.....I am not good at meditating.
Or finding my center.
Or being one with myself.
Or doing yoga poses.
Or resting my brain.
Or communing with my inner being.
Or being quiet for 2 minutes.
Or, not thinking about anything.
Or, keeping my spine straight while sitting on a hard floor with my legs crossed Indian-style.
You see, we have this lovely graduate intern working with us who kindly offered to do a meditation session with our staff during a regularly scheduled meeting.
The meeting was at 10:15 am, I had been running late all morning, traffic was a bear, it was raining, I had a to-do list at my desk that was as long as my arm, my daughter was stressing over final exams and just had to tell me about it, my son was dealing with a skin infection, my husband was dealing with being my husband and my pre-lit Christmas tree that no longer lights is not even up yet and oh....my dining room was a wreck and there were dishes in the sink and my dad wanted stew for dinner.
But, of course, I wanted to learn to meditate.
She said it was the key to relaxation.
I was just confused as to why I couldn't have a cigarette and a martini....aren't those two key elements in order to reach a state of relaxation?
Breathe, Judi. Just breathe.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 7!
Only 18 days until Christmas!
Today's word is: Comfort
There's nothing quite like seeing an old friend. A girl who knew you when....
I'm a pretty blessed girl when it comes to friends. The old adage of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer doesn't work for me. It's the friends that matter.
If I have enemies, God Bless them.....
One of the best things about the friends I've had the pleasure and great honor of having over the years is that no matter how long it's been or where we are in life....when we are together, the fact that we are spending this moment together is all that matters.
I don't have one friend who even considers saying anything to induce guilt or bad feelings about the time that has passed since we got together, since we've seen each other or since we've talked. So, there's never any fear of picking up the phone or sending an email or running into one of them even if it's been ions since we last spoke. If you need something and you know one of your friends can help you--you make the call. If you see something or hear something that reminds you of them--you get in touch. If you are in their town and you have a moment--you knock on their door. There's never an ounce of anything other than happiness when we see each other's faces, when we chit chat, when we hug or when we share pictures or stories.
Friendship is a gift.
It's the best present of the season.
The comfort of spending time with an old friend is.....well.....a comforting gift.
Today's word is: Comfort
There's nothing quite like seeing an old friend. A girl who knew you when....
I'm a pretty blessed girl when it comes to friends. The old adage of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer doesn't work for me. It's the friends that matter.
If I have enemies, God Bless them.....
One of the best things about the friends I've had the pleasure and great honor of having over the years is that no matter how long it's been or where we are in life....when we are together, the fact that we are spending this moment together is all that matters.
I don't have one friend who even considers saying anything to induce guilt or bad feelings about the time that has passed since we got together, since we've seen each other or since we've talked. So, there's never any fear of picking up the phone or sending an email or running into one of them even if it's been ions since we last spoke. If you need something and you know one of your friends can help you--you make the call. If you see something or hear something that reminds you of them--you get in touch. If you are in their town and you have a moment--you knock on their door. There's never an ounce of anything other than happiness when we see each other's faces, when we chit chat, when we hug or when we share pictures or stories.
Friendship is a gift.
It's the best present of the season.
The comfort of spending time with an old friend is.....well.....a comforting gift.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 6!
Only 19 more days until Christmas!
The word for today is: Yummy
as in......Judi's Fourth Annual Tastey Tuesday Recipe Exchange!
If you don't know what it is.....
Let me formally introduce to you.....
Here's how it goes....
Every Tuesday until Christmas, I will share a tried and true holiday recipe....right here on my blog..... you'll do the same! Post your YUMMY concoctions in the comment section.....
Then, by Christmas day...every one of us will have a bountiful and beautiful selection of YUMMY recipes! You can put them out for family and friends who drop by to make merry or you can bring them over to Aunt Edna's and show off your culinary skills to your cousins Gerty and Birtha. Or..you can leave them by the fireside for Santa to munch on when he slides down your chimney with all those gifts! No matter what you do....you can be assured that you'll have the best tasting food this side of the North Pole. And, I'll be feeling lots of comfort and joy knowing that I am serving up a tastey, award-worthy Stories From The Road Buffet....!
That's what I call YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!
Come on.....share your YUMMY recipes!!!
The word for today is: Yummy
as in......Judi's Fourth Annual Tastey Tuesday Recipe Exchange!
If you don't know what it is.....
Let me formally introduce to you.....
Here's how it goes....
Every Tuesday until Christmas, I will share a tried and true holiday recipe....right here on my blog..... you'll do the same! Post your YUMMY concoctions in the comment section.....
Then, by Christmas day...every one of us will have a bountiful and beautiful selection of YUMMY recipes! You can put them out for family and friends who drop by to make merry or you can bring them over to Aunt Edna's and show off your culinary skills to your cousins Gerty and Birtha. Or..you can leave them by the fireside for Santa to munch on when he slides down your chimney with all those gifts! No matter what you do....you can be assured that you'll have the best tasting food this side of the North Pole. And, I'll be feeling lots of comfort and joy knowing that I am serving up a tastey, award-worthy Stories From The Road Buffet....!
That's what I call YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!
Hot Caprese Dip
10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced
3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil + more for garnish
Preheat oven to 375.
Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
Serve immediately with artisan breads, Italian toasts or crackers.
Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!
Come on.....share your YUMMY recipes!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 5!!!!
Only 20 days until Christmas!
The word for today is: Decking
as in....decking the halls and the roof....
The weather was so spectacular yesterday that I was able to get Carmen to venture out on to our master bedroom "roof balcony" to finally fulfill a dream of mine---to decorate it for Christmas!
I have always wanted to decorate our little balcony but the weather never cooperated. The first year we lived here, I did brave the elements to go out there to decorate but the wind was so severe (our house is at a very high elevation), the garland kept flying away as I was trying to attach it to the railing. Yeah, that was fun....
This is the first year in many that decorating day wasn't snowy or windy or icy or frigid. What that means is that the outdoors are decked.
Inside--needs decking.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 4!
Only 21 days (that's 3 weeeks!!!) until Christmas!
The word for today is: Tangled
I'm so done with pre-lit Christmas trees. Soooooo done!
I'm writing a letter to Martha Stewart pronto.
It's her tree.....well, at least her name is on it.
Hey Martha--WTF? Love Judi
What we have in our possession is a 3 year old 9 foot slim tree with 750 clear lights.......of which about 250 of them are working.
I swear when we put it away last year, at least 500 of them were working.
What's with these pre-lit trees?
I am at a crossroads here......
Do I run to my fav neighborhood hardware store where I will pay an arm and a leg for all new lights then come home and string them on the tree all by myself (which I hate, hate, hate)?
or
Should I just bite the bullet and go in search of another 9 foot slim tree?
It's a tangling issue no matter how I look at it......
The word for today is: Tangled
I'm so done with pre-lit Christmas trees. Soooooo done!
I'm writing a letter to Martha Stewart pronto.
It's her tree.....well, at least her name is on it.
Hey Martha--WTF? Love Judi
What we have in our possession is a 3 year old 9 foot slim tree with 750 clear lights.......of which about 250 of them are working.
I swear when we put it away last year, at least 500 of them were working.
What's with these pre-lit trees?
I am at a crossroads here......
Do I run to my fav neighborhood hardware store where I will pay an arm and a leg for all new lights then come home and string them on the tree all by myself (which I hate, hate, hate)?
or
Should I just bite the bullet and go in search of another 9 foot slim tree?
It's a tangling issue no matter how I look at it......
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 3!
Only 22 more days until Christmas!
The word for today is: Sparkle
as in.....that's what I plan on doing tonight!
Big doings here in Judiland tonight.
We're heading to a festive and somewhat quasi-dressy dinner party at the mega fabulous home of a big-time executive at the company Carmen toils for. It's as much of a social event as it is a business event--or so I've been told. So, no matter how yummy those cocktails are or how perfect those wines are--I have to limit my consumption. I don't want to start trash talking during the pre dinner mix and mingle portion of the night and I don't want to fall off my chair during dinner service. Although that might be kinda fun.....
Since I can't do the tipsy Judi thing, I had to find another way to make my presence known!
So, I opted for some fabulous fashion finds to pump up the volume on what I know will be a sea of dark pants, black pumps, demure dresses and other ho-hum and politically correct "wear to the big bosses' house" garb.
I've decided to add a little glitz and glam to what will surely be a very nice but not so rockin' holiday party.
I figure, if you can't add sparkle with your antics, you must do it with fashion.
Glittery texts by bigoo.ws
The word for today is: Sparkle
as in.....that's what I plan on doing tonight!
Big doings here in Judiland tonight.
We're heading to a festive and somewhat quasi-dressy dinner party at the mega fabulous home of a big-time executive at the company Carmen toils for. It's as much of a social event as it is a business event--or so I've been told. So, no matter how yummy those cocktails are or how perfect those wines are--I have to limit my consumption. I don't want to start trash talking during the pre dinner mix and mingle portion of the night and I don't want to fall off my chair during dinner service. Although that might be kinda fun.....
Since I can't do the tipsy Judi thing, I had to find another way to make my presence known!
So, I opted for some fabulous fashion finds to pump up the volume on what I know will be a sea of dark pants, black pumps, demure dresses and other ho-hum and politically correct "wear to the big bosses' house" garb.
I've decided to add a little glitz and glam to what will surely be a very nice but not so rockin' holiday party.
I figure, if you can't add sparkle with your antics, you must do it with fashion.
Glittery texts by bigoo.ws
Friday, December 2, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 2!
Only 23 Days Until Christmas!!!
The word for today is: Giddy
......as in-- lacking seriousness; given to frivolity
or having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling.......
What better word for Friday?
I'm not sure if I mentioned that I have been dealing with a nasty head cold this week.
There's never an opportune time for any kind of feeling funky.
But, some times are even worse than others.
And, I considered this week a bad week to feel less than healthy.
Coming off of a full week of having a full nest, a full four-day weekend of partying and eating and shopping and cleaning. Then, closing out the whole thing with driving the dark, foggy, wet back roads in the pouring rain to collegeland and back....the return trip all alone....I was more than ready for a week to recover before having to dive into the holiday party circuit.
But, Mother Nature had other plans for me. Thankfully, I am not against making a beeline for the pharmacy when I am in need of some OTC help!
Between the TheraFlu (best thing ever invented) and the Vicks Vapor Rub, I hobbled through the week with a few moans and a few groans.
I made it to Friday.
Amazing what a girl can do with the help of some drugs, some ointment and a Thursday night martini.
Yes, I'm giddy.
The word for today is: Giddy
......as in-- lacking seriousness; given to frivolityor having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling.......
What better word for Friday?
I'm not sure if I mentioned that I have been dealing with a nasty head cold this week.
There's never an opportune time for any kind of feeling funky.
But, some times are even worse than others.
And, I considered this week a bad week to feel less than healthy.
Coming off of a full week of having a full nest, a full four-day weekend of partying and eating and shopping and cleaning. Then, closing out the whole thing with driving the dark, foggy, wet back roads in the pouring rain to collegeland and back....the return trip all alone....I was more than ready for a week to recover before having to dive into the holiday party circuit.
But, Mother Nature had other plans for me. Thankfully, I am not against making a beeline for the pharmacy when I am in need of some OTC help!
Between the TheraFlu (best thing ever invented) and the Vicks Vapor Rub, I hobbled through the week with a few moans and a few groans.
I made it to Friday.
Amazing what a girl can do with the help of some drugs, some ointment and a Thursday night martini.
Yes, I'm giddy.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas!
Only 24 more days until Christmas.
The word for today is: Martini
I don't have to bellow from the roof tops that it's December 1.
Everyone knows it.
The calendar didn't even have to confirm it.
No need for additional angst or convulsions.
We all felt the anxiety of the upcoming season begin to trickle in around October.
Come November, as the days progressed, so did our levels of anxiety.
Once mid-November rolled around, we were almost busting at the seams with thoughts of what laid ahead of us.
As soon as we washed that last turkey globbed dish, we knew this day was near.
By the time we opened our eyes on Black Friday....we were certain that this day was on the horizon.
But, when the clock struck midnight last night--there was no denying what had just happened-- we felt the beads of sweat on the back of our necks and the slight tremble in our thighs and an uncharacteristically odd craving for fruitcake---December 1 had arrived.
I don't know about you but this girl thinks it's time for a martini.
I'm so glad this day arrived on the very same day as martini night.
Stop back each day for the WORD OF THE DAY as we countdown to Christmas!
The word for today is: Martini
I don't have to bellow from the roof tops that it's December 1.
Everyone knows it.
The calendar didn't even have to confirm it.
No need for additional angst or convulsions.
We all felt the anxiety of the upcoming season begin to trickle in around October.
Come November, as the days progressed, so did our levels of anxiety.
Once mid-November rolled around, we were almost busting at the seams with thoughts of what laid ahead of us.
As soon as we washed that last turkey globbed dish, we knew this day was near.
By the time we opened our eyes on Black Friday....we were certain that this day was on the horizon.
But, when the clock struck midnight last night--there was no denying what had just happened-- we felt the beads of sweat on the back of our necks and the slight tremble in our thighs and an uncharacteristically odd craving for fruitcake---December 1 had arrived.
I don't know about you but this girl thinks it's time for a martini.
I'm so glad this day arrived on the very same day as martini night.
Stop back each day for the WORD OF THE DAY as we countdown to Christmas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
